There is something inherently wrong in employers who will not specify the hours which a particular employee will work. Having just undergone and almost completed a fast-track training program at my present place of employment, I have been somewhat dissatisfied with the lack of communication about specific working hours.
I work shifts of around four hours, and one day I was told to help open up, and be there by 8am. So I was, but I wasn’t told at which time I was supposed to clock off and head home. Using my powers of deducement I figured that the average length of my shifts thus far had been around four to five hours, so I clocked off at around 12:30pm. My employer rang me that afternoon to tell me that I was supposed to be there until 4pm. Ok, a miscommunication.
The other day I had a commitment that prohibited me from working late. My employer then proceeded to ask (quite rightly, I admit, in retrospect) if I didn’t desire to learn. This, of course, was not true.
My point is that employers have a responsibility to make sure their employees know exactly when they’re supposed to be working. Contrary to the Orwellian view, employees do have lives, families, commitments outside work, and they shouldn’t have to stop and rush to work on an employer’s whim, or ‘play it by ear’ as to when they’re allowed to go home.
Massive congratulations to Robbie McEwen who’s done it again, pulling off a stunning victory in Stage 4 of the Tour de France. McEwen’s power was not unlike that of his 2nd Stage victory just a few days ago, when his incredible pushing power got him over the line at Esch-Sur-Alzette. The little man just comes from nowhere, pumping hard and ready to win. And win he’s done – twice! Go Robbie Go!
Until next time…